Election '96.

38th District Opponents Agree About Traffic

Regardless of what happens at the polls next month, motorists forced to suffer through one the southwest suburbs' most notorious traffic bottlenecks stand to be the winners.

The two candidates for the Illinois House from that area, Republican Renee Kosel of New Lenox and Democrat Lois Mayer of Mokena, acknowledge that the old-style intersection where U.S. Highways 30 and 45 intersect in Frankfort is out of step with the areas's growth and demands prompt attention from the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Kosel's campaign headquarters is a few feet from the intersection, and Mayer's is farther east on U.S. 30.

"This intersection has become a serious inconvenience and safety hazard for motorists and homeowners," said Mayer.

Kosel also has identified the intersection as a top transportation priority for the 38th District.

"It is one of the most horrendous intersections in the 38th," said Kosel.

Coming up: A trio of Park Forest churches, in cooperation with Chicago-based Protestants for the Common Good, is sponsoring a candidates forum Wednesday featuring the race for the Illinois House in the south suburban 80th District. State Rep. Flora Ciarlo (R-Steger) and George Scully, her Democratic challenger from Flossmoor, are scheduled to be questioned by a panel of clergy and laypeople from the district beginning at 7 p.m. at Faith United Protestant Church of Park Forest, 10 Hemlock St.

- More than a dozen south suburban mayors are selling tickets for a cocktail party fundraiser they are sponsoring Tuesday for state Sen. Patrick O'Malley (R-Palos Park). Call 708-923-1818 for information and reservations.

- Democrats Mark Pera and Nancy Kenney, who are running for the state House from the west and southwest suburbs, join U.S. Rep. William Lipinski (D-Ill.) for a "Democratic Round Up" from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Tuesday at Marlene's Landmark, 6800 Archer Ave., Bridgeview.

- Cook County Democrats, local ward and township committeemen, as well as labor organizations and community groups are combining to co-sponsor the "South Suburban Democratic Unity Rally," to begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Matteson Holiday Inn, Interstate Highway 57 and U.S. Highway 30.